Mesh restraint

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for securing mesh to a support comprises an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to be engaged with the support, and an engagement member supported by the body. The engagement member can pass through an aperture of the mesh so that a portion of the mesh adjacent the aperture is positioned between the engagement member and the body to secure the mesh to the body.

FIELD

The present invention relates to structures and methods used to secure mesh such as barrier mesh to a support.

BACKGROUND

Construction sites often have areas that are potentially dangerous to worksite personnel. To minimise or prevent injury to these personal, occupational health and safety guidelines often require safety signs and barriers to be installed. These safety signs can help to indicate areas of potential danger and barriers can help to prevent unwanted passage from a safe area to the potentially dangerous area.

Installation of barriers can be time consuming and, for construction sites where a potentially dangerous area is only present for a short period of time, the time required to install the barrier can be a significant portion of the time that the potentially dangerous area is present. Due to increasing labour costs and safety requirements, the installation and disassembly of barriers can present a significant cost burden.

Barrier mesh (also termed bunting mesh, bunting barrier, safety mesh, plastic mesh or barricade fencing mesh) is a type of mesh that is used to form a barrier for a wide range of construction sites, such as pit works, site works, floor works, maintenance, renovations, building construction, and so on. To reduce the amount of time required to install barrier mesh, it is common for installers to simply secure the barrier mesh to a support using tape, such as electrical tape and duct tape, or ties such as cable ties or wire. Even with tape and ties, the mesh may be prone to breaking at the location of the tape and ties. One way to overcome this problem is to weave the support, such as a steel fence post, through the apertures of the barrier mesh. However, this solution takes a lot of time to perform and generally does not work when trying to add an additional steel fence post to an already installed barrier mesh. Removal of the barrier mesh is generally achieved by cutting the ties and tape, or by simply ripping the barrier mesh from the support. These methods generally do not result in consistent and correct installation of the barrier mesh to meet occupational health and safety codes. For example, when a cable tie is wrapped around a post, the cable tie can stretch and become loose, then slide down the post, which can result in the barrier mesh also sliding down the post. Current methods used to install and remove barrier mesh also tend to generate a large amount of waste.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY

According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for securing mesh to a support, comprising:

an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to be engaged with the support; and

an engagement member supported by the body, wherein the engagement member can pass through an aperture of the mesh so that a portion of the mesh adjacent the aperture is positioned between the engagement member and the body to secure the mesh to the body.

The mesh may be barrier mesh, which may also be referred to as bunting mesh, bunting barrier, safety mesh, plastic mesh (such as extruded plastic mesh) or barricade fencing mesh. Mesh may include netting. However, it is important to note that netting is not the same as barrier mesh, and netting and barrier mesh are generally used for different applications.

The body may be rotationally fixed relative to the support. In such embodiments, when the apparatus is used to secure mesh to the support and a tension is applied to the mesh, such as for a section of mesh extending between two assemblies, the body may be engaged with the support such that the body cannot rotate in a direction that would reduce the tension. This allows the tension applied to the mesh to be maintained, which may help to keep the mesh taut and compliant with occupational health and safety requirements. However, the use of engagement members means that the time required to secure the mesh to the support may be less than the time required to secure the mesh to the support using conventional securing methods.

The body may comprise a plurality of engagement members that can each be passed through different apertures of the mesh to secure or retain the mesh to the body. In an embodiment, a first engagement member of the plurality of engagement members may be positioned near a base of the support. A second engagement member of the plurality of engagement members may be spaced from the first engagement member along the body by a distance corresponding to a width between a centre of aperture located along opposed edges of the mesh. The first engagement member may be positioned approximately 60-70% along a length of the body from an end of the body. The second engagement member may be positioned approximately 0-5% along the length of the body from the end. A third engagement member of the plurality of engagement members may be spaced from the second engagement member along the body towards the base of the support by a distance D=nS where n in an integer and S is a spacing between adjacent apertures of the mesh along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis (e.g. long a width of the mesh). The apparatus may further comprise a fourth engagement member positioned between the first engagement member and the third engagement member. In an embodiment, the body comprises four engagement members.

The engagement member may be rotatable between an installation position and an engagement position. In the engagement position the head may sandwich a longitudinally extending section of the mesh between the body and the head. The engagement member may have a coupling element, such as a shaft, extending from the body. The shaft may terminate with a head having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft. The engagement member may rotate around an axis of the shaft.

A sidewall of the shaft may engage with the body. The head may be a flange that extends transversely to an axis of the shaft. In an embodiment the flange extends perpendicular to the axis of the shaft. The head may have mutually transverse lengths that are different to each other. For example, when viewed along the axis of the shaft, the head may be a surface that has a width that is less than a length of the head. The head may be rectangular, such as oval shaped. The width of the head may be approximately 80-90% of the length of the head.

In an embodiment, a gap of approximately 1-10 mm is formed between the body and the head. The body may have a cavity and a portion of the engagement member may be receivable in the cavity. For example, the engagement member may be removably fixed in the cavity so that a user may “pop out” an engagement member and replace it with another engagement member.

The body may have a first section from which the engagement member extends. Second sections may extend from opposed longitudinal sides of the first section. The second sections may extend towards one another to define a channel therebetween. For example, the first and second sections may define a tapered U-channel where an opening defined between ends of the second sections may be less than a width of the first section. In some embodiments, the second sections may meet at an apex so that the first and second segments form a hollow tube. The hollow tube may be triangular in cross-section. In an embodiment, a width along an inner face of the first section is approximately 43 mm-48 mm.

The apparatus may further comprise a cap that is engageable with an end of the body. In an embodiment, the support is a steel fence post. The steel fence post may include a T-post, Y-post, star picket, star post. The support may be a stake. In some embodiments the support is a weighted base. The weighted base may act as a bottom cap. The support may be guidewires to which the body can be rotational fixed to. In another embodiment, the support is a pole, such as a tubular scaffolding pole, and the apparatus further comprises a clip assembly adapted to attach the body of the apparatus releasably to the pole.

An embodiment provides an apparatus for securing mesh to a support, comprising: an elongate body having a first section and second sections extending from opposed longitudinal sides of the first section, the second sections extend towards each other to define a channel therebetween; an engagement member body extending from the first section, the engagement member having a shaft that terminates with a head, the head having a diameter greater than the shaft.

An embodiment provides an apparatus for securing mesh to a support, comprising: an elongate body provided with a channel, such as an open channel or closed channel, and having a first section; an engagement member body extending from the first section, the engagement member having a coupling element, such as a spigot or shaft, that terminates with a head, the head having a diameter greater than the coupling element. The body may be an elongate sleeve configured to sleeve the support.

In an embodiment, the engagement member is rotatable about an axis defined by the shaft between an installation position where the head of the engagement member can be passed through an aperture of the mesh and an engagement position where a portion of the mesh adjacent the aperture is positioned between the first section and the head.

In an embodiment, the body is a triangular hollow section tube. One face of the triangular hollow section tube may be the first section and the other two faces of the triangular hollow section tube may be the second segments.

Another embodiment provides a system for securing mesh to a support, comprising: an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to be secured to the support so that the body is rotationally fixed about the axis; and an engagement member that is attachable to the body, wherein the engagement member can pass through an aperture of the mesh so that a portion of the mesh adjacent the aperture is positioned between the engagement member and the body when the engagement member is attached to the body. The system may be provided as a kit.

An embodiment provides a kit for securing mesh to a support, the kit comprising an elongate body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the body is configured to be secured to the support so that the body is rotationally fixed about the axis; and an engagement member that can be attached to the body, wherein the engagement member can pass through an aperture of the mesh so that a portion of the mesh adjacent the aperture is positioned between the engagement member and the body when the engagement member is attached to the body.

For example, the kit may comprise the elongate body and one or more engagement members that a user can install into the body. In some embodiments the engagement members are replaceable.

Another embodiment provides an apparatus for securing a first mesh portion to a support, wherein the support comprises a second mesh portion, the apparatus comprising:

an elongate body having a longitudinal axis; and

an engagement member supported by the body, wherein the engagement member is adapted to pass through an aperture of the first mesh portion and through an aperture of the second mesh portion in an overlapping region of the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion, so that sections of the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are positioned between the engagement member and the body to secure the sections to the body.

The engagement member may comprise a shaft extending from the body, the shaft terminating with a head having a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft such that the sections of the first mesh portion and the second mesh portion are positioned between the head and the body to secure the sections to the body.

The apparatus may comprise a plurality of engagement members supported by the body, wherein each of the engagement members is adapted to pass through different apertures of the first mesh portion and of the second mesh portion in the overlapping region. In examples, first and second of the plurality of engagement members may be disposed at opposed ends of the body and a third of the plurality of engagement members may be disposed intermediate the first and second of the plurality of engagement members on the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of an apparatus for securing mesh to a support according to an example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B shows a cross-section of the apparatus along line A-A in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 10 is a close-up view of an engagement member of the apparatus;

FIG. 2A is a side elevation of the apparatus;

FIG. 2B is an enlargement of area A in FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows barrier mesh secured to two apparatus;

FIG. 4A is a side perspective view of an apparatus for securing mesh to a support according to a further example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a front elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 4A shown with an engagement member of the apparatus;

FIG. 4C is a plan view of the apparatus of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 4A attached to a section of scaffolding pole;

FIG. 6A is a side perspective view of an apparatus for securing mesh to a support according to a further example embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6B is a cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6A along line A-A in FIG. 6A, wherein an engagement member of the apparatus is shown in a first position;

FIG. 6C is a further cross sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 6A along line A-A in FIG. 6A, wherein the engagement member is shown in a second position;

FIG. 6D is an enlarged front view of an engagement member of the apparatus of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a side view of a body of the apparatus of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B is a perspective view of the body shown in FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8A is a side perspective view of an engagement member of the apparatus of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8B is an elevated perspective view of the engagement member shown in FIG. 8A;

FIG. 8C is a perspective view of the engagement member shown in FIG. 8A viewed from its lowermost side; and

FIG. 9 shows a first mesh portion secured to a second mesh portion using the apparatus of FIG. 6A, wherein the second mesh portion is attached to a post.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1A, an example embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for securing mesh, such as barrier mesh, to a support. In FIG. 1A, the apparatus is in the form of post 10. The post 10 has a body in the form of tube 12 having a first section, shown as first face 14, and second sections, shown as second faces 16. The first face 14 is elongate having opposed longitudinal sides (i.e., edges), and the second faces 16 are also elongate and extend from the opposed longitudinal sides of the first face 14. The tube 12 has a first (uppermost) end 13 and a second (lowermost) end 15, with an axis of the tube 12 extending longitudinally between the first end 13 and the second end 15. In use, the first end 13 forms a top of the tube 12 and the second end 15 forms a base of the tube 12. In an embodiment, the tube 12 has a length extending from the first end 13 to the second end 15 that is at least 1000 mm. In one embodiment, the tube 12 has a length of about 1400 mm.

A number of engagement members, in the form of buttons, are secured to the first face 14. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the post 10 has four buttons: a first (base) button 24, second (top) button 18, third button 20, and fourth button 22. As best shown in FIG. 3, a spacing between the first button 24 and the second button 18 (i.e. the outermost buttons) may be conveniently arranged to be about the same as the height of the mesh 40. More specifically the buttons 18 and 24 may be spaced by a distance corresponding to a spacing S formed between centres of apertures 42 extending along the uppermost and lowermost edges of the barrier mesh 40. In an embodiment, the spacing S ranges from about 920 mm-940 mm. In an embodiment, the spacing S is 931 mm. When the tube 12 has a length of about 1400 mm, the second button 18 is positioned on the tube 12 approximately 60-70% along a length from the second end 15 of the tube 12.

The first button 24 is generally positioned slightly inboard from the second end 15 of the tube 12. In an embodiment, the first button 24 is positioned inboard from the second end 15 by a distance of up to 100 mm. In an embodiment, the first button 24 is spaced from the second end 15 by 50 mm. In an embodiment, the first button 24 is positioned on the tube 12 approximately 0-5% along a length from the second end 15 of the tube 12.

Vertically adjacent apertures of the example mesh 40 that is depicted, such as apertures 42 and 43, are spaced apart by a distance S′. The spacing between each of the buttons is an integer multiple of S′. For example, the third button 20 engages with the third row of apertures 45 from the in-use top edge 41 of the mesh 40, so the spacing between the second button 18 and the third button 20 is 2×S′. More generally, the distance between each button can be represented by the relationship D=nS′, where n≥1. Each row of apertures is delimited from one another by a first set of strands 44. The first set of strands 44 run parallel to edge 41. Each column of apertures is delimited from one another by a second set of strands 46. The second set of strands extend transversely from edge 41. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the barrier mesh 40 has rectangular-shaped apertures. In an embodiment, the second button 18 and third button 20 are spaced apart by a distance ranging from about 80 mm-90 mm, such as 86 mm. In an embodiment, S′ corresponds to a width of the apertures that form the barrier mesh 40.

The fourth button 22 is spaced approximately equally between the first button 24 and the third button 20. For example, the fourth button 22 may be spaced approximately 40%-60% along a length between the first button 24 and the third button 20. In an embodiment, the fourth button 22 is spaced approximately 460 mm-490 mm, such as 478 mm, from the first button 24.

As best shown in FIG. 1B, the buttons have a coupling element in the form of central spigot 30. In the embodiment depicted, the spigot 30 is in the form of a cylindrical hollow tube. Extending from the spigot 30 is a head in the form of flange 32. In an embodiment the flange 32 extends transversely, such as perpendicular, to an axis of and from an end of the spigot 30. The flange 32 has an inner face 38 positioned opposite an outside surface 14 a of the first face 14 of the tube 12. A gap 39 is formed between the inner face 38 and the outside surface 14 a of the first face 14. The gap has a width (i.e. a width extending from the inner face 38 and the outside 14 a of the first face 14) of about 0.5 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the gap 39 has a width of about 2 mm. In an embodiment the flange 32 has a width that is less than a length of the flange. For example, the flange surface 32 may be rectangular. In an embodiment the flange surface 32 is oval shaped when looking in a direction towards the first face 14, such as along a length of the spigot 30 (as best seen in FIG. 10). In an embodiment, the flange surface 32 has a width that is approximately 80%-90% of a length of the flange surface. For example, in an embodiment, the flange 32 has a length of about 50 mm-65 mm, such as about 57 mm, and a width of about 40 mm-55 mm, such as 48 mm. A width of the flange 32 is greater than a diameter of the shaft defined by the spigot 30.

In use, the flange 32 is passed through an aperture 42 in the mesh 40 so that the barrier mesh 40 is positioned (e.g. sandwiched) in the gap 39 and the spigot 30 contacts a perimeter (e.g., edge) of the aperture 42, and the inner face 38 and the outside 14 a of the first face 14 can contact the surface of the barrier mesh 40 defined by the first set of strands 44 and the second set of strands 46. Generally, the flange 32 has a dimension that is larger than the aperture 42. The engagement of the barrier mesh 40 with the second button 18 is the same for the first button 24, third button 20 and fourth button 22.

If the gap 39 has a width that is too large (i.e., >20 mm) then the aperture, e.g. 42, may be able to move and twist and stretch so that the first set of strands 44 and/or the second set of strands 46 slides over the flange 32, which would result in aperture 42, and thus the barrier mesh 40, disengaging from button 18.

Having the second button 18 and third button 20 positioned proximate one another can help the barrier mesh to withstand forces that are applied to an upper region of the barrier mesh 40. For example, if the third button 20 was removed, forces applied to an upper region of the barrier mesh, such as a user leaning on the top edge 41 of the mesh 40, would be transferred predominantly to the second button 18, which may cause: the aperture 42 to disengage from the second button 18; failure of the mesh surrounding the second button 18; and/or cause the second button 18 to fail. Providing the third button 20 helps to dissipate forces applied to an upper region of the barrier mesh 40 over a number of buttons and apertures of the barrier mesh 40.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, the spigot 30 is provided with a channel 34. The first face 14 has a cavity in the form of opening 26. The channel 34 is dimensioned to receive a portion 36 of the first face 14 that defines the opening 26. In an embodiment, the spigot 30 is cylindrical and the channel 34 is circumferential. The spigot 30 has a rounded (e.g. tapered) end 35 that allows the spigot 30 to be inserted into opening 26 so that the portion of the first face 14 that defines the opening 26 can engage with the channel 34. In some embodiments, the spigot 30 is formed from a material that is resiliently deformable relative to the tube 12, such as a stiff rubber or stiff elastomer, that allows a user to fit the button, e.g. 18, into the opening 26. In some embodiments, the buttons are replaceable. Having replaceable buttons may help a user to replace a button that has become worn or broken without having to replace the entire post 10. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the tube 12 has only four openings for each of the buttons, but in other embodiments the post 12 may have a plurality of openings into which a user can insert buttons on an as-needed basis, for example to accommodate different types of mesh.

In some embodiments, the opening 26 is provided in the first face 14, but in some embodiments a user may cut the opening 26 into the first face 14 so that the spacing between the various buttons matches the respective apertures in the mesh.

In some embodiments, the buttons are secured to the first face 14 with a fastener and/or adhesive that allows the buttons to rotate. However, in some embodiments the buttons are fixed and cannot rotate. The use of fasteners and/or adhesive to secure the buttons to the first face 14 may eliminate the need for opening 26.

When the spigot 30 is cylindrical and the channel 34 is circumferential, the button is able to rotate around an axis defined by the cylindrical spigot 30. As best shown in FIG. 10, and with reference to the first button 18, in some embodiments the first button 18 is rotatable between an installation position 18 a and an engagement position 18 b. In the installation position 18 a, the length of the oval shaped flange 32 extends in a direction along a length of the apertures, e.g. 42. In the installation position 18 a, a width of the oval shaped flange 32 is slightly larger than a width of the aperture, e.g. 42, and only a small portion of the oval shaped flange 32 overlaps with the barrier mesh 40. This means that the barrier mesh 40 only needs to be twisted, bent, and manipulated a small amount to pass the flange 30 through the aperture 42. In the engagement position 18 b, the length of the oval shaped flange 32 extends in a direction along a width of the aperture e.g. 42 (or put another way, along a direction perpendicular to a length of the aperture 42). This means that in the engagement position 18 b, the oval shaped flange 32 overlaps with a greater portion of the barrier mesh 40 compared to when the oval shaped flange 32 is in the installation position 18 a, making it more difficult to twist, bend and manipulate the barrier mesh 40, and thus making it more difficult for the first set of strands 44 and/or the second set of strands 46 to slide over the flange 32 to disengage from button 18. In some embodiments, the barrier mesh 40 needs to be irreversibly stretched or cut for the barrier mesh 40 to be disengaged from the button 18.

It should be appreciated that rotatable buttons are not required in all embodiments, and in some embodiments the buttons may be rounded. For example, flange 32 may be circular instead of oval shaped. It should also be appreciated that the buttons can rotate via other means, such as around a fastener.

In some embodiments the flange 32 is provided with one or more protrusions, such as tab 31, that help to aid a user gripping and turning the button 18. For example, the protrusions may act as finger grips. The tab 31 is not required in all embodiments.

Because the buttons are fixed relative a length of the tube 12, once the barrier mesh 40 is engaged with respective buttons, the barrier mesh is secured to the tube 12 and cannot move towards or away from the first end 13 and second end 15. Compared with existing methods of attaching barrier mesh to a support, such as the use of cable ties to secure barrier mesh to a star picket or T post, embodiments of the invention may eliminate sagging of the barrier mesh.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the first face 14 is elongate having opposed longitudinal sides (i.e. edges), and the second faces 16 extend from the opposed longitudinal sides towards each other to meet at an apex, and to form a hollow tube having a triangular cross-section and that defines a channel 28. Each of the faces (14 and 16) are slightly curved when viewed in cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tube 12. However, in some embodiments each of the faces (14 and 16) are planar. The channel 28 is dimensioned to receive a support such as a star picket. For example, a star picket can be received in the channel 28 (not shown). Put another way, the tube 12 can sleeve a support such as a star picket. When the star picket is received in the channel 28, edges of the star picket are positioned proximate internal corner regions 12 a, 12 b and 12 c so that the tube 12 is rotationally fixed relative to the star picket about the axis of the tube 12. In an embodiment, a width along an inner face of the first face 14, e.g. extending in a direction from region 12 b towards region 12 c, ranges from about 40 to 50 mm, such as about 43 mm to about 47 mm. Having the width along the inner face range from about 40 mm to about 50 mm can help the post 10 to sleeve a support with a variety of sizes, for example star pickets that have a deformed head due to repeated impacts with a driving mechanism. In some embodiments, the second faces 16 do not meet at an apex and instead extend toward each other to form a tapered U-section that defines a channel between the first face 14 and second faces 16 (not shown). The tapered U-section is such that an opening between ends of the second sides 16 is less than a width of the first side 14. In some embodiments, the post 10 acts to replace existing star picket caps that are generally required to protect a worker from contacting and being injured by sharp corners and faces of a head of a star picket.

To corner off an area with barrier mesh 40 using an embodiment of the invention, a series of star pickets are driven into the ground. A post 12 is then sleeved over each star picket. The first button 24 or second button 18 of a first of the posts, e.g. 12, is then first engaged with the respective aperture in the barrier mesh 40, then the remaining buttons of the first post 12 are engaged with their respective mesh apertures. A user then stretches the barrier mesh 40 and engages one of the buttons of the second post, e.g. 12′, usually the first button 24′ or second button 18′, and then the remaining buttons of the second post 12′ are engaged with their respective apertures. Tension of the barrier mesh 40 helps to minimise movement within the barrier mesh 40, such as flapping in the wind, and the likelihood of the barrier mesh 40 disengaging from the buttons. Having the gap 39 less than approximately 20 mm can also help to prevent excessive movement of the barrier mesh 40 that may otherwise cause the barrier mesh 40 to disengage with one or more buttons. Conversely, having a gap more than approximately 0.5 mm may allow a small amount of movement to withstand forces applied to the barrier mesh 40 in use. As the posts 10, 10′ etc are rotationally fixed relative to the star picket, the posts 10, 10′ etc. cannot rotate in a direction that would reduce the tension of the barrier mesh 40, so the tension applied to the barrier mesh 40 is maintained. Maintaining a tension in the barrier mesh 40 can help to keep the barrier mesh 40 taut.

Increasing the number of buttons can help to increase the ability of the post 10 and/or barrier mesh 40 to withstand forces applied to the barrier mesh 40. However, increasing the number of buttons may lead to an increased installation time. As the majority of loads applied to the barrier mesh 40 during use are near a top region of the barrier mesh 40, there is not always the need to provide a number of buttons near a middle or bottom region of the tube 12. Therefore, providing two buttons (e.g. 18 and 20) near a top of the barrier mesh 40, a button (e.g. 22) near a middle region of the barrier mesh 40, and a button (e.g. 24) near a bottom of the barrier mesh 40 (i.e. towards a bottom of tube 12) may provide a balance between required strength and ease of installation. However, the type and use of mesh may determine the required number of buttons.

When the buttons are secured to the first face 14 using fasteners and/or adhesive, a user may place the barrier mesh 40 against the first face 14, then secure the button to the first face 14 so that the button is positioned in an aperture of the barrier mesh. Alternatively, a user may align an aperture with the opening 26, then push the spigot 30 into the opening so that the circumferential channel 34 engages with the portion 36 of the first face 14 that defines the opening 26, thereby engaging the barrier mesh 40 with the button e.g. 18.

In an embodiment, the tube 12 extends beyond an end of a star picket when the star picket is driven into the ground. For example, in an embodiment, a star picket is driven in the ground so that the star picket extends 1200 mm above the ground, but the tube 12 has a length of 1400 mm, so the tube 12 is 200 mm longer than the installed star picket. In some embodiments the tube 12 acts as a steel fence post cap that prevents a user contacting the steel fence post.

The post 10 can be fitted with a cap at the first end 13 and/or the second end 15. For example, in some embodiments the post 10 has a rounded top cap (not shown) attached to the first end 13. In some embodiments, the top cap includes retaining means, such as a finger or clip, that can be used to secure e.g. rope, flag rope and warning tape, to the top cap. In other embodiments, a cap is fitted to the second end 15. The cap fitted to the second end 15 can form part of a base support, such as a weighted platform, from which the post 10 extends. The use of a base support may eliminate the need to use of a star picket as a support. In some embodiments the base cap is fitted with a stake that can be driven into the ground, where the base cap fitted with the stake is the support. The use of a base cap fitted with a stake may allow the post 10 to act as and replace a star picket as a support. The post 10 may be provided with a locking mechanism that locks the cap(s) to the post 10. In some embodiments the post 10 is used in place of a star picket.

In some embodiments the type of button can be changed to accommodate different types of mesh, such as barrier mesh or netting. In this way, the post 10 can be used to secure different types of mesh and netting to a support.

In some embodiments, the tube 12 is provided with recesses or grooves that allow the post to be secured to horizontal cabling. The horizontal cabling acts as the support. The recess or groove may be provided with a locking mechanism that locks the post to the horizontal cabling to prevent rotation about the axis of the tube 12. When the cap forms part of a base support, or when the post 10 is secured to horizontal cabling, the tube 12 may be solid i.e. not hollow.

Although FIGS. 1 to 3 show the buttons, e.g. 18, being secured to the tube 12, in some embodiments the buttons are provided separately to the tube 12. For example, the post 10 may form part of a system or kit comprising the tube 12 and a plurality of buttons e.g. 18 that are securable to the tube 12. For example, in an embodiment, a user may be provided with the tube 12 and buttons separate to the tube 12, where the user secures the buttons to the tube 12 to form an assembly prior to using the assembly to secure barrier mesh to a structure. This may involve the user cutting holes to form the opening 26 in the first face 14.

In an embodiment the tube 12 is formed from rigid plastic, including polypropylene and polyethylene. In some embodiments that tube 12 has a mechanical strength that is such that the post can replace a steel fence post.

Whilst reference is made herein to barrier mesh having rectangular apertures, the disclosure is not limited to such mesh, and other types of mesh having different structural features can be used with embodiments of the invention, such as mesh with square or round apertures.

FIGS. 1 to 3 and the foregoing paragraphs make reference to the support being a steel fence post, such as a star picket, Y-post and T-post, but the disclosure is not limited to the support being a steel fence post, and the support includes any structure that can support the post 10 such as a stake (e.g. square stake), a weighted base, stake that engages with the ground, and so on. Referring to FIGS. 4A-C and 5, in another example there is provided an apparatus 50 for securing mesh to a support, whereby the support is in the form of a scaffolding pole 51.

The apparatus 50 may comprise an elongate body 52 that is substantially oblong in shape and comprises a pair of semicircular peripheral ends. The body 52 may comprise a pair of circular apertures vertically spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis of the body 52. A first of the apertures 54 may be disposed towards an uppermost region of the body 52 and a second of the apertures 56 may be disposed towards a lowermost region of the body 52. The two apertures 54, 56 may be dimensioned to receive the central spigot 30 of a button, e.g. 18, in the same manner as the opening 26 of the post 10 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this configuration, a pair of buttons may be releasably attached to the body 52 by pushing them into the apertures 54, 56. Once attached, the buttons may each be rotated between an installation position 18 a and an engagement position 18 b, as illustrated in FIG. 4B. In some embodiments, the buttons may be secured to the body 52 with a fastener and/or adhesive that allows the buttons to rotate. However, in some embodiments the buttons may be fixed in place and cannot rotate. The use of fasteners and/or adhesive to secure the buttons to the body 52 may eliminate the need for the apertures 54, 56.

The apparatus 50 may also comprise a clip assembly 58 extending rearwardly from a side edge of the body 52 that is adapted to attach the body 52 releasably to the scaffolding pole 51. The clip assembly 58 may comprise a first clip member 60 and a second clip member 62. The clip members 60, 62 may each be arcuate and together define a circular collar 58 that is dimensioned to extend circumferentially around a section of the pole 51.

The first clip member 60 may be secured fixedly to the body 52. For example, the clip member 60 may be integral with the body 52 and, in examples where the clip member 60 and body 52 are made of plastic, the clip member 60 and body 52 may be integrally formed using a single mould. In other examples, the clip member 60 may be attached to body 52 using a fastener and/or adhesive. More particularly, a first end 64 of the clip member 60 may be secured fixedly to the body 52 such that the clip member 60 extends away from the body 52 in a semicircular arc and terminates at a second end 66 spaced from the body 52.

The second clip member 62 may be hingedly connected to the body 52. In the example depicted, a first end 68 of the clip member 62 comprises a pair of pins that project outwardly from the end 68 in opposed vertical directions. The pins may be received into a pair of vertically spaced apertures 70 provided in the first end 64 of the clip member 60. The pins and apertures 70 provide a pin joint that enables the second clip member 62 to pivot about the first end 68 to thereby open and close the circular collar 58.

A second end 72 of the second clip member 62 may be bifurcated and comprise a pair of jaw members that together define a channel that can receive the second end 66 of the first clip member 60. As best shown in FIG. 4C, the outermost of the jaw members may comprise an inwardly facing surface that has a plurality of teeth 74 inwardly projecting into the channel. The teeth 74 frictionally engage the second end 66 to impede its withdrawal from the channel thus fastening the clip members 60, 62 together. The teeth 74 may be angled such that their pointed apexes project inwardly towards a base of the channel. This configuration advantageously increases the frictional forces exerted by the teeth 74 on the second end 66 when a pulling force is exerted on the second clip member 62 relative to the second end 66. One or more of the jaw members provided at the second end 72 may have a degree of elastic flexibility that allows them to be prised apart from one another to release the second end 66 and open the collar 58. A peripheral tip 76 of the outermost jaw member may extend away from the collar 58 to enable the jaw member to be gripped and levered away from the collar 58 with ease.

As shown in FIG. 5, in use the apparatus 50 may be secured to a scaffolding pole 51 by arranging the clip members 60, 62 around a section of the pole 51 and fastening them together. Only a small section of scaffolding pole 51 is depicted in FIG. 5 but it will be appreciated that the apparatus 50 may be secured to any elongate length of tubular scaffolding pole, including standard, ledger and transom scaffolding poles. Once secured, the body 52 extends radially from the circular clip assembly 58 and perpendicularly to the surface of the pole 51. The buttons may be secured into the apertures 54, 56 of the body 52 and a user may place a portion of mesh, such as barrier mesh, against the body 52 and secure each of the buttons through apertures of the mesh to secure the mesh to the pole 51. Alternatively, a user may align the apertures of the mesh with the apertures 54, 56 of the body 52 and then push the spigots 30 of the buttons into the apertures 54, 56 to thereby engage the mesh with the buttons. A plurality of apparatus 50 may be used to secure mesh to a scaffolding structure covering a building under construction or reconstruction. The mesh may serve to prevent people and/or objects from falling and to protect workers and pedestrians walking near the base of the scaffolding structure.

In each of the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 1A to 5, the apparatus is shown being used to secure mesh to supports that comprise simple elongate objects (namely, to a post 10 and to a scaffolding pole 51). However, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the invention may be used to secure mesh to supports consisting of complex objects and structures, including to composite structures with mesh portions already attached to them. Referring to FIGS. 6A to 6D, a further example embodiment of the invention provides an apparatus 70 for securing a first mesh portion to a second mesh portion, whereby the second mesh portion is held by an elongate post.

The apparatus 70 comprises a body 72 and at least one engagement member 74 held by the body 72. The engagement member 74 is adapted to pass through a first aperture of the first mesh portion and through a second aperture of the second mesh portion when the two mesh portions (and the respective apertures) are positioned in an overlapping arrangement. The engagement member 74 provides that portions or sections of the two mesh portions that are adjacent the relevant apertures are positioned (sandwiched) between the engagement member 74 and the body 72 to thereby secure the mesh portions to the body 72.

More particularly, in the example depicted the body 72 is rectangular and is provided with three engagement members that are releasably connectable to the body 72. A first (top) engagement member 76 may be disposed at an uppermost end of the body 72. A second (bottom) engagement member 78 may be disposed at a lowermost end of the body 72. A third (middle) engagement member 80 may be disposed substantially at a centre of a longitudinal axis of the body 72 intermediate the first and second engagement members 76, 78. The three engagement members 76, 78, 80 are, therefore, arranged linearly across a frontmost face 82 of the body 72.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the body 72 may comprise cavities that are provided in the form of three circular apertures 84 formed transversely through the body 72. The apertures 84 may be arranged at regular spaced intervals across the face 82 of the body 72 adjacent the respective positions of the three engagement members 74. Each of the circular apertures 84 may be dimensioned to receive, in part, an engagement member 74 to secure the engagement member 74 to the body 72.

Referring to FIGS. 8A to 8C, each engagement member 74 may comprise a button 86 that comprises a shaft 88 terminating with a head 90. The head 90 may have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft 88. The shaft 88 may be substantially circular in cross section such that an end of the shaft 88 is insertable into each aperture 84 in the body 72 to rotatably connect the button 86 to the body 72. In an embodiment, the shaft 88 may be formed from a material that is resiliently deformable relative to the body 72, such as a stiff rubber or plastic-based elastomer, which enables the button 86 to be fixed into an aperture 84. The button 86 may be replaceable so that when worn or broken it may be replaced without having to replace the whole apparatus 70.

The head 90 may comprise a flange that extends transversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft 88. In the example depicted, the flange 90 comprises an oval disc that has mutually transverse lengths that are different to each other. The head 90 may comprise one or more tabs 92 that are adapted to be gripped by a user of the apparatus 70 when rotating the head 90 and button 86 relative to the body 72. For example, a pair of tabs may be provided that outwardly protrude from opposed sides of a frontmost face 94 of the flange 90.

An end portion of the shaft 88 may comprise a clip assembly that is configured to releasably and rotatably secure the shaft 88 within an aperture 84 of the body 72. For example, the shaft 88 may comprise a pair of flexible members 96 arranged on opposed sides of the shaft 88 that extend perpendicularly away from the head 90. The flexible members 96 may be dimensioned, and be sufficiently elastically bendable, such that when pressed into an aperture 84 from the frontmost face 82 side of the body 72 the flexible members 96 engage and bear against the inner circular wall of the aperture 84.

Each flexible member 96 may comprise a catch 98 provided at its terminal end that releasably locks the flexible member 96 within the aperture 84. For example, the catch 98 may comprise a flange member that is triangular in cross-section and extends radially in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 88. As best shown in FIG. 6C, an underside of the catch 98 bears against a rearmost side 100 of the body 72 when the flexible member 96 is pressed fully into the aperture 84. The bevelled uppermost end of the catch 98 facilitates insertion of the flexible member 96 into the aperture 84.

In other examples, the button 86 may be secured fixedly to the body 72 such that it cannot rotate using fasteners and/or adhesives, thus eliminating the need for the apertures 84.

The shaft 88 of the button 86 may also comprise an annular spacer 102 that is positioned adjacent to the head 90 around the shaft 88. When the shaft 88 is pressed into an aperture 84 of the body 72, the spacer 102 bears against a ring-shaped region of the body 72 that surrounds the aperture 84. The spacer 102 keeps the head 90 spaced apart from the face 82 of the body 72 when the button 86 is engaged with an aperture 84. This causes a circular channel to be formed around the shaft 88 between the head 90 and the face 82 when the button 86 is engaged. The circular channel advantageously provides space to receive sections of the two mesh portions when sandwiched between head 90 and the face 82.

Referring to FIG. 9, in use the apparatus 70 may be used to connect together a pair of mesh portions 104. The mesh portions 104 may comprise lengths of barrier mesh. The mesh portions 104 may be arranged such that a pair of their end sections are overlapping one another. One of the mesh portions 104.2 may be attached to a vertically-aligned post 106 using tape, such as electrical or duct tape, or using ties such as cable ties or wire. A lowermost end of the post 106 may comprise a suitable structure for securing the post 106 in position to the ground. For example, the lowermost end may comprise a weighted base or a stake that engages the ground. In other examples, the post 106 may comprise the apparatus 10 depicted in FIGS. 1A to 3, and the post 106 may engage with a metal support driven into the ground, such as a star picket, Y-post or T-post.

The apparatus 70 may be used to fasten together the two overlapping end sections of the mesh portions 104. This may be achieved by placing the rectangular body 72, with the buttons 86 connected to the body 72, behind the overlapping region. The body 72 may be positioned such that each of the buttons 86 is aligned with a pair apertures of the mesh portions 104 that overlay one another in the overlapping region. The respective parts of the mesh 104 that surround the relevant mesh apertures may then be pushed towards the body 72 causing the buttons 86 to be forced through the flexible mesh apertures and protrude therethrough. The parts of the mesh 104 that surround the relevant mesh apertures are, therefore, caused to be sandwiched between the heads 90 of the buttons 86 and the body 72 thus connecting the two mesh portions 104 together. In the example depicted, the apparatus 70 comprises three buttons 86 that engage with, respectively, three pairs of apertures of the mesh portions 104 in the overlapping region. However, it will be appreciated that in other examples the apparatus 70 may comprise a different number of buttons 86 provided with the body 72.

The oval disc that forms the head 90 of each button 86 may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of each mesh aperture in at least one dimension. For example, in FIG. 9 the width of each mesh aperture that is depicted is longer than its height. Each button 86 is shown oriented relative to the body 72 so that the longest axis of its oval-shaped head 90 is vertically aligned and, therefore, longer than the height of each mesh aperture. In examples where the height of each mesh aperture may be longer than its width, each of the buttons 86 may be rotated relative to the body 72 so that the longest axis of its oval disc 90 is horizontally aligned and, therefore, longer than the width of each mesh aperture. The buttons 86 may, therefore, be rotated selectively to improve the resilience of the connection that is achieved by the apparatus 70 to suit the particular mesh design and the conditions of the site or location at which the mesh portions 104 are installed. For example, the buttons 86 may be rotated to improve the connection resilience when the mesh portions 104 are installed at a location that is experiencing windy conditions.

The apparatus 70 may also be used to connect together mesh portions that comprise other shaped apertures, such as square and circular-shaped apertures, including apertures having a height and width that are substantially the same. In such examples, the oval disc that forms the head 90 of each button 86 may have a diameter that is larger than a diameter of each mesh aperture regardless of how the button 86 is rotated relative to the body 72.

As depicted in FIG. 9, a first apparatus 70.1 may be installed at an uppermost end of the overlapping region of the mesh portions 104 and a second apparatus 70.2 may be installed towards a lowermost end to connect the two mesh portions 104 together. However, it will be appreciated that a different number of apparatus 10 may be used. For example, in FIG. 9 a third apparatus (not shown) may be installed at a centre of the overlapping region between the first apparatus 70.1 and the first apparatus 70.2. The buttons 86 of each apparatus 70.1, 70.2 are shown arranged so as to engage with alternate pairs of apertures (i.e., every second pair of apertures) in the overlapping mesh along the longitudinal axis of each body 72. However, the buttons 86 may be positioned in different relative arrangements. For example, the buttons 86 may be arranged on each body 72 such that they engage with consecutive pairs of apertures in the overlapping mesh.

In other examples, the two overlapping mesh sections may be connected together by placing the rectangular body 72 of each apparatus 70, with the buttons 86 disconnected from the bodies 72, behind the overlapping region. Buttons 86 may then be arranged in front of the overlapping region aligned with pairs of apertures of the mesh portions 104 that overlay one another. The buttons 86 may then be pushed towards the bodies 72 so that their shafts 88 enter the apertures 84 in the bodies 72 thus connecting the buttons 86 to the bodies 72 and sandwiching the mesh portions 104 therebetween.

To disconnect the two portions of mesh 104 from one another, the portions may simply be prised away from each of the buttons 86. If necessary, the buttons 86 may be rotated or removed to make this task easier.

For the purpose of this specification, the word “comprising” means “including but not limited to”, and the word “comprises” has a corresponding meaning.

The above embodiments have been described by way of example only and modifications are possible within the scope of the claims that follow. 

1-30. (canceled)
 31. An apparatus for securing plastic barrier mesh to a post, the apparatus comprising: a hollow tube having a longitudinal axis and an internal elongate channel extending along the longitudinal axis to an opening at a base of the tube, wherein the channel receives an uppermost end of the post such that the tube is sleevable onto the post, and wherein the tube is dimensioned such that the post is engaged by the tube to fix the tube rotationally relative to the post about the longitudinal axis; and at least one engagement member disposed on a side of the tube, wherein the engagement member comprises a shaft extending from the tube, the shaft being configured to pass through an aperture of the barrier mesh, and a flange that extends transversely to an axis of the shaft that has a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the shaft so that a portion of the barrier mesh adjacent the aperture is positioned between the flange and the tube to secure the barrier mesh releasably to the tube, and wherein the flange has mutually transverse lengths that are different to each other and is rotatable between an installation position and an engagement position.
 32. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the tube is dimensioned such that the channel is triangular in cross section taken through a plane extending laterally through the tube, such that the tube is sleevable onto a star picket to fix the tube rotationally relative to the star picket about the longitudinal axis.
 33. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the apparatus comprises a plurality of engagement members that can each be passed through different apertures of the barrier mesh to secure the barrier mesh to the tube.
 34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein a first engagement member of the plurality of engagement members is positioned near a base of the post and a second engagement member of the plurality of engagement members is spaced from the first engagement member along the tube by a distance corresponding to a width between a centre of apertures located along opposite edges of the mesh.
 35. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: the first engagement member is positioned approximately 60-70% along a length of the tube from an end of the tube; and the second engagement member is positioned approximately 0-5% along the length of the tube from the end of the tube.
 36. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein a third engagement member of the plurality of engagement members is spaced from the second engagement member along the tube towards the base of the post by a distance D=nS where n is an integer ≥1 and S is a spacing between adjacent apertures of the barrier mesh along a line parallel to the longitudinal axis.
 37. The apparatus according to claim 36, wherein the apparatus further comprises a fourth engagement member positioned between the first engagement member and the third engagement member.
 38. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the engagement member comprises one or more tabs adapted to be gripped by a user to rotate the engagement member.
 39. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the shaft terminates with the flange.
 40. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein a width of the flange is approximately 80-90% of a length of the flange.
 41. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein a gap of approximately 1-10 mm is formed between the tube and the flange.
 42. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the shaft is removably fixed into a cavity formed in the tube.
 43. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the shaft comprises a tapered end to facilitate insertion of the shaft into the cavity.
 44. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the shaft is resiliently deformable.
 45. The apparatus according to claim 32, wherein a channel extends circumferentially around the shaft that receives a portion of the tube that defines the cavity.
 46. The apparatus according to claim 31, wherein an uppermost end of the tube comprises a cap.
 47. The apparatus according to claim 46, wherein the cap comprises a retaining means for securing a length of rope or tape to the cap. 